Save to Pinterest Rich, spiced gingerbread bars layered with a buttery crumble and finished with a tangy lemon glaze—a festive treat perfect for any season.
This recipe quickly became my holiday favorite because of its perfect balance of spices and citrus glaze.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread Base & Crumble: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar packed , 2 tsp ground ginger , 1 tsp ground cinnamon , 1/4 tsp ground cloves , 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg , 1/2 tsp baking soda , 1/2 tsp salt , 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter melted , 1/3 cup (80 ml) unsulphured molasses , 1 large egg
- Lemon Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar sifted , 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice , 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl whisk together the flour brown sugar ginger cinnamon cloves nutmeg baking soda and salt.
- Step 3:
- Add the melted butter molasses and egg. Stir until a thick crumbly dough forms.
- Step 4:
- Reserve 3/4 cup of the dough for the crumble topping.
- Step 5:
- Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle the reserved dough over the base in small chunks to create a crumble effect.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 28–32 minutes or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Step 8:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Step 9:
- For the glaze whisk together the powdered sugar lemon juice and zest until smooth.
- Step 10:
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Let set for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares.
Save to Pinterest My family always gathers around the kitchen table enjoying these bars with hot tea or mulled cider.
Notes
Add 1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger or toasted pecans to the crumble for extra flavor and texture. For a dairy-free version substitute vegan butter. Serve with hot tea or mulled cider for a cozy treat.
Required Tools
8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan Mixing bowls Whisk Rubber spatula Parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) eggs and dairy (butter). Check all ingredient labels if unsure about potential allergens.
Save to Pinterest These lemon-glazed gingerbread crumble bars are perfect for any occasion and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What spices are used in the gingerbread bars?
Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create the warm, aromatic base of these bars.
- → How is the lemon glaze prepared?
It's made by whisking powdered sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest until smooth.
- → Can these bars be made dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative.
- → What is the texture of the crumble topping?
The crumble is buttery and slightly chunky, adding a crisp contrast to the tender gingerbread base.
- → How long do the bars need to set after glazing?
Allow at least 20 minutes for the lemon glaze to set before slicing into squares.